Destructive storms hit southern and western France
Powerful thunderstorms swept across France on May 10 and 11, 2025, causing widespread flooding, hail damage, and disruptions in the regions of Occitanie and Nouvelle-Aquitaine. While no fatalities were reported, the storms caused significant property damage, agricultural losses, and transport disruptions across several departments.
Satellite image of France, Spain with rainfall radar acquired at 12:20 UTC on May 11, 2025. Credit: EUMETSAT/Meteosat, Zoom Earth, The Watchers
Severe thunderstorms affected southern and western France on May 10 and 11, with the regions of Occitanie and Nouvelle-Aquitaine bearing the brunt.
Torrential rainfall, large hail, and strong winds caused damage to homes, agriculture, and infrastructure. Météo-France issued yellow-level alerts for multiple departments due to the risk of intense storms and flash flooding.
A total of 10 629 lightning strikes were recorded across France on May 10, with the departments of Gers (1 361 strikes) and Vienne (1 189) experiencing the highest concentration. On May 11, the strike count rose to 15 807, with notable activity in Gard (1 459) and Saône-et-Loire (1 367).
In Gironde (Nouvelle-Aquitaine), a supercell thunderstorm hit Langon on May 10, producing hailstones over 3 cm (1.2 inches) in diameter.
The storm damaged roofs, vehicles, and vegetation, prompting municipal crews to assist residents and assess damage. Langon’s mayor urged residents to file insurance claims within five days, as required by law, and asked them to report their damages to support the town’s request for a natural disaster declaration.
In the Gers department (Occitanie), hailstorms on May 10 brought hailstones measuring 3–4 cm (1.2–1.6 inches), severely damaging crops and rooftops. Farmers reported extensive agricultural losses, with many fields requiring re-sowing. Emergency crews in Tillac and Miélan conducted floodwater pumping and road clearance operations.
At least two homes caught fire after lightning strikes on May 10 — one near Agen (Lot-et-Garonne) and another in Saint-Nazaire (Loire-Atlantique). Firefighters contained both blazes, and no injuries were reported.
Intense rainfall led to flash flooding across several departments. Grignols (Gironde) recorded 63.4 mm (2.5 inches) of rain, while Agen saw 35.6 mm (1.4 inches), causing flooded roads and fields. In eastern Hérault and Gard on May 11, stationary thunderstorms dumped up to 140 mm (5.5 inches) of rain, inundating roads near Montpellier.
In the Céret area (Pyrénées-Orientales, Occitanie), hail blanketed town squares within minutes on May 10. Local reports described scenes of white hail covering streets while emergency services worked to clear mudslides and fallen trees, particularly in the Gers, where six road incidents were reported.
About 20 flights bound for Paris–Charles de Gaulle airport were diverted to Orly and other airports due to storms in Île-de-France. In the Gers, roads like D3, D517, and D127 were blocked by mudslides and debris, affecting local traffic.
Firefighters conducted pumping operations and debris removal in the Gers and Lot-et-Garonne. The Lot-et-Garonne préfet issued a yellow alert on May 10, warning of 20–30 mm (0.8–1.2 inches) of rain per hour, hail, and gusts up to 90 km/h (56 mph).
References:
1 Bilan des orages du week-end des 10 et 11 mai 2025 – Meteo-Paris – May 12, 2025
2 Météo : les images impressionnantes des orages de grêle qui ont sévi dans l’ouest de la France (vidéos) – C News – May 11, 2025
Reet is a science journalist and researcher with a keen focus on extreme weather, space phenomena, and climate-related issues. With a strong foundation in astronomy and a history of environmental activism, she approaches every story with a sharp scientific lens and a deep sense of purpose. Driven by a lifelong love for writing, and a curiosity about the universe, Reet brings urgency and insight to some of the most important scientific developments of our time.
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